Man Jumps Out Bedroom Window To Escape Fire On Tuesday

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Lt. Andrew Waters with the Fire Investigation Division begins his investigation into the cause of the fire. On the far right is the bedroom window Mr. Boudy used to escape the fire.
- photo by Bruce Garner

Shortly before 6 a.m. on Tuesday morning, fire broke out in a home at 3527 Taylor Street. The resident, Stephen Boudy, told firefighters that he woke to the smell of smoke. He said it was getting very hot, so he had to escape through his bedroom window, which is on the first floor.

Battalion Chief Charles Patton said Mr. Boudy may have injured his head after jumping out the window, so as a precaution, he was transported by Hamilton County EMS to Erlanger Medical Center, where his condition was being assessed. Chief Patton said his injuries were not thought to be life-threatening.

Captain Will Andrews with Quint 10 said the fire was in the front living room, and flames were shooting out the window. Captain Andrews said it took roughly 30 minutes to get the blaze under control. The firefighters had to cut into the floor and exterior wall to make sure the fire was completely out. Most of the house was saved, because the fire damage was contained to the front room. However, the rest of the house sustained smoke and water damage.

An estimate on the dollar loss was not available. Firefighters did find a smoke alarm in the home, and it had a battery in it, but it is not clear if it worked since it was damaged in the fire.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Chattanooga Police and the EPB also provided assistance.

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